Southampton FC make decision on £7.4m transfer - Will Still appears to have made his mind up | OneFootball

Southampton signed Elias Jelert on loan from Galatasaray last summer

Southampton have already signalled their decision to Galatasaray that they will not be activating their €8.5 (£7.4) million buy option in Elias Jelert’s loan deal.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, the Saints have come to their conclusion after just three appearances in all competitions.

The full-back was signed on loan during the summer window following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

However, the 22-year-old has been unable to make much of an impact in Will Still’s plans for the team, coming off the bench twice in the Championship.

The Dane also made a further appearance in the EFL Cup third round, playing 87 minutes in a 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

Southampton make Elias Jelert decision

Southampton have reportedly made their decision on Jelert’s future after just three appearances for the club this season.

The full-back has been unable to impress Still, and it’s unlikely he will earn his place in the side over new permanent signing Mads Roerslev.

The 26-year-old joined from Brentford in August, and has become an important part of the first team squad ahead of his fellow Dane.

It has been claimed that the Saints have a £7.4 million option to convert Jelert’s loan deal into a permanent move.

The Hampshire outfit have already paid €300,000 (£260,000) to get the loan deal over the line, but it’s understood they will not be signing him on a permanent basis.

Southampton are believed to be covering his Galatasaray wages in full, with estimated figures from Capology suggesting that amounts to £30,000 per week.

The Saints have made an underwhelming start to the new campaign, with the team struggling for consistent form.

Still’s side are 17th in the table after nine games, with a clash against Swansea City at home on October 18 next up after the international break.

Elias Jelert deal doesn’t reflect well on anyone

Southampton are avoiding a £7.4 million option to buy, but it’s damning a decision is being made in the middle of October.

The process that determined he was worth signing should be reviewed if this little game time is needed to decide he’s not good enough to justify keeping.

It’s a difficult situation now as he is set to remain at St. Mary’s for the rest of the campaign, and it’s unlikely he’ll receive much game time.

That they are also covering his wages in full makes this a costly move, and if there’s a way to have him be recalled in January then that would likely be best for the Saints and the player.